1. How many sticks are needed to form Pattern 21?
2. In which pattern will each side of the triangle measure 46 cm?
3. Calculate the number of shaded triangles in Pattern 76.

(a)
Number of sticks:
Pattern 1: 1 x 3   = (1) x 3 = 3 sticks
Pattern 2: 3 x 3   = (1 + 2) x 3 = 9 sticks
Pattern 3: 6 x 3   = (1 + 2 + 3) x 3 = 18 sticks
Pattern 4: 10 x 3 = (1 + 2 + 3 + 4) x 3 = 30 sticks

Sum of numbers = Pattern Number x (Pattern Number + 1) ÷ 2

Formula:
Number of sticks = Sum of numbers up to Pattern Number x 3

Number of sticks needed for Pattern 21
= (1 + 2 + 3 + ... + 21) x 3
= [21 x (21 + 1) ÷ 2] x 3
= [21 x 22 ÷ 2] x 3
= 231 x 3
= 693

(b)
Length of each side of the triangle:
Pattern 1: 1 x 2 = 2 cm
Pattern 2: 2 x 2 = 4 cm
Pattern 3: 3 x 2 = 6 cm
Pattern 4: 4 x 2 = 8 cm

Formula:
Length of each side of the triangle = Pattern Number x 2

Pattern Number with each side of the triangle measuring 46 cm
= 46 ÷ 2
= 23 

(c)
Pattern 1: Number of shaded triangles = 0
Pattern 2: Number of shaded triangles = 0 + 1
Pattern 3: Number of shaded triangles = 0 + 1 + 2
Pattern 4: Number of shaded triangles = 0 + 1 + 2 + 3

Pattern for number of shaded triangles = Sum of numbers up to (Pattern Number - 1)

Number of shaded triangles in Pattern 76
= [(Pattern Number - 1) x (Pattern Number)] ÷ 2
= (75 x 76) ÷ 2
= 2850

Answer(s): (a) 693; (b) 23; (c) 2850